The federal government has directed Sadique Abubakar, chief of air staff, to join Tukur Buratai, the chief of army staff in the north-east to coordinate the Nigerian air force operations.

Tukur Gusau, the public relations officer to the minister of defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said in a statement that the decision was taken on Tuesday at a meeting of the air council presided over by the minister.

The federal government had on Monday had directed the army chief to remain in north-east until the security situation in the region improves.

Gusau said the air chief was also directed to reorganise air operations in support of operations Lafiya Dole in the north-east and Sharanda Daji in Zamfara.

“The air council also approved promotion of well deserved senior air force officers to their next higher ranks,” he said.